It's a new school year, and a special transition for three bright-eyed girls — Richel Cole, Kristal Vidad and Ericka Yiu — all high school freshmen starting next month at Sacred Hearts Academy.

As they sit on the cusp of adulthood, the three already have begun looking out over the horizon, imagining what they'd like the school year to be.

Experts say transition times like these are perfect for contemplating goals for the coming year.

"Goal-setting gives students focus and direction," said Randall Fong, college counselor at Sacred Hearts Academy.

We asked the girls to share their goals for the coming year and beyond. And we asked adults about supporting those goals.

Meet our trio:

RICHEL COLE

14, Foster Village

Goals: An academic achiever, Richel has a full scholarship to attend Sacred Hearts and so was well on her way to academic success when she graduated from Holy Family Academy, a Catholic grade school. Already knowing she wants to be a teacher, Richel hopes someday to be wearing the valedictorian sash at her high school graduation.

"I know what I want and I'm going to work hard to get it," she said. Specifically, that means earning a 4.5 GPA this year, which means taking a slew of honors and AP classes and acing them all.

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Parent: Mom Lisa Cole knows Richel, an only child, has long had good study habits, plus encouragement for academic success. Like TV's Rory Gilmore, Richel is the kind of student who finishes homework the day it's assigned, not the night before it's due. Mom's aim is to help Richel maintain some balance in her life. She's planning to take advantage of the after-school drive home to debrief and hear about her day, and continue the long chats that are part of their nighttime ritual. When Richel gets too hard on herself, Mom will suggest they take a walk around Ford Island or play some tennis. "And shop, of course!" Lisa Cole adds. (Richel admits to a Hollister fixation, since discovering the clearance rack at the trendy Pearlridge store.)

Counselors: Ambitious students like Richel tend to take initiative when it comes to colleges and careers, but adults in their lives can help out by staying abreast of the latest information and research. Sacred Hearts' Randall Fong and Michele Quintal, academic adviser for grades 9 through 11, know these students come to them, instead of waiting to be called for an appointment, so keeping up-to-date in the areas where Richel may have an interest is key. Quintal also echoed mom's concerns, about reminding Richel to relax and not get overwhelmed by stress.

ERICKA YIU

14, Kailua

Goals: Since she's coming fresh to Sacred Hearts (she graduated from St. John Vianney grade school), Ericka knows this is the year to find her place in the world.

"I want to find my strengths and weaknesses," she said.

Her long-term goal is to be a detective, because she's interested in forensic science, but she'd also like to take this time to explore. She's hoping to try out for the volleyball team, maybe the paddling team.

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Parent: Mom Donna Yiu's strategy is to give Ericka the best education possible and support her daughter's choices. She doesn't want to push her own dreams on Ericka.

"I'm always behind her," she said, adding that she stresses education and success through school, so her daughters, including Ericka as oldest, learn independence first. ("If love comes along, that's fine, too," Donna Yiu adds.)

Donna Yiu also tries to model good behavior when she can, such as joining 24 Hour Fitness with her athletic daughter, who walks with the natural saunter of a sportswoman.

Counselors: Inquisitive students need to be given lots of room — and conversely, lots of direction.

"You let her know how realistic (goals are)," said college counselor Fong, and advocate for balance.

Part of academic adviser Quintal's job is to help girls try to find areas in which they may excel, to build confidence and harness their energies.

"We have over 40 clubs," said Quintal. "You can't do everything."

"Sometimes they have to make tough decisions," added Fong.

KRISTAL VIDAD

14, Liliha

Goals: Kristal has been attending Sacred Hearts since kindergarten and doing well academically, but this year, she's taking a slightly new tack: She knows high school offers her a chance to mix things up a bit. She's looking forward to making new friends, meeting a lot of new people and reaching out to the incoming freshmen who are new to the all-girls academy, since half the freshman class comes from different schools. (And, of course, to stay on the principal's list.)

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Parent: Mom Susan Vidad doesn't worry about Kristal's academics — Kristal is pretty self-sufficient, Susan Vidad said — but she does take to heart the issue of her daughter's social development: "She's shy," Vidad admits.

They come from a large, close-knit and extended family, so Kristal hasn't had to look far for companionship. However, Vidad's going to attempt to encourage her daughter to create more one-on-one friendships, perhaps through joining sports teams, after-school activities or tutoring other students.

Counselors: Taking advantage of mixers and school activities is always a way to find people Kristal might mesh with. Teachers and other adults at school can hook her up with like-minded potential friends, too. Both Fong and Quintal recommend that Kristal check out the upcoming club fair and sports fair events.